Triepeolus lunatus

(Say, 1824)

Lunate Longhorn-cuckoo Bee, cuckoo bee

Triepeolus lunatus is a cleptoparasitic in the , commonly known as the Lunate Longhorn-. It occurs across North America from Canada to northern Mexico, and has been observed in Central America. The inhabits forest edges and meadows, where it parasitizes nests of bees. As a member of the simplex species group, females possess a trapezoidal or triangular pseudopygidial area with bright, reflective and a concave margin.

Triepeolus lunatus and Melissodes bimaculatus by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Triepeolus lunatus male 1 by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Triepeolus lunatus-head by Peterwchen. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Triepeolus lunatus: /traɪˈɛpiələs luːˈneɪtəs/

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Identification

Triepeolus lunatus belongs to the simplex group, characterized by females with a trapezoidal or triangular pseudopygidial area bearing bright, reflective and a concave margin. The species epithet "lunatus" (meaning crescent or moon-shaped) likely refers to distinctive markings. Identification to species level within Triepeolus requires examination of subtle morphological characters including facial markings, integumental sculpturing, and male ; has been used to help establish species limits in recent revisions.

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Habitat

Forest edges and meadows.

Distribution

North America from Canada to northern Mexico; also recorded from Central America.

Behavior

Cleptoparasitic () : females lay in the nests of , with consuming the host's food provisions.

Ecological Role

As a , T. lunatus functions as a natural regulator of its . Its presence indicates established populations of host bees in suitable .

Similar Taxa

  • Triepeolus simplexConvergent cleptoparasitic and shared membership in the simplex group; requires detailed examination of pseudopygidial area shape and setal patterns for separation.
  • Epeolus speciesHistorically confused with Triepeolus; both are cleptoparasitic with similar body plans, but differ in structural details of the and .

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